GLIAC McAvoy Award 2005

December 15, 2005 For Immediate Release (click here for pdf release)
Northern Michigan’s Matthew Shem Named 2005 Recipient of the Jack H. McAvoy Award
	BAY CITY, Mich. -- Northern Michigan University senior defensive back Matthew Shem has been named recipient of the 2005 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Jack H. McAvoy Award as announced by Commissioner Tom Brown. The award is presented annually to the GLIAC football player who best combines outstanding character and leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
A Massillon, Ohio (Washington) native, Shem has earned a 3.63 grade point average (4.0 scale) while majoring in construction management. He has been named to the GLIAC All-Academic football team in each of the four years he was eligible and his G.P.A. ranks among the highest of Northern Michigan student-athletes. Off the field, Shem has been a strong influence in the Marquette (Mich.) community. He has served as a volunteer for many community projects, including the Special Olympics, NMU Youth Football, NCAA Youth Day, St. Jude Children’s Hospital Telethon, Thanksgiving Meal-on-Wheels, the Salvation Army and Goodwill.

A four-year starter and letterwinner for the Wildcat defense, Shem was also a force on the field. He played in 38 games in four seasons, tallying 250 tackles, five quarterback sacks, and four interceptions. This past season he recorded 41 solo tackles, 31 assisted tackles, four tackles-for-loss, two sacks, and intercepted one pass.
“This award recognizes the accomplishments of our well rounded student-athletes,” stated Commissioner Brown. “The McAvoy Award is not just given on the basis of athletic ability, but is given to a student-athlete who has performed well in the classroom and has a strong sense of community involvement. Matthew Shem is a fine example of the quality student-athletes we have in the GLIAC.”

Shem becomes the second Northern Michigan student-athlete honored with the McAvoy Award, joining former teammate Josh Sherko who shared the award in 2003 with Scott Stuible of Northwood University. The Award is named for former Hillsdale College director of athletics and head football coach, Jack McAvoy, who was instrumental in the founding the Midwest Intercollegiate Football Conference (MIFC), now known as the GLIAC.